Fragrance spraying method and fragrance spraying system

Abstract

Provided is a method for spraying a fragrance into a space, the method being executed by a control unit, wherein a first fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nerves of a user (50) present in the space (SP) and a second fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nerves of the user (50) are sprayed. The control unit sprays the first fragrance, stops spraying the first fragrance, and sprays the second fragrance after at least the lingering time of the first fragrance has passed.

Description

Fragrance spraying method and fragrance spraying system

[0001] The present invention relates to a fragrance spraying method and a fragrance spraying system.

[0002] Conventionally, the spray output of fragrance has been controlled so that the spray output of fragrance at the user's planned sleep time is smaller than the spray output of fragrance at the user's planned wake-up time (Patent Document 1 (JP 2020-31711 A)).

[0003] However, with conventional fragrance spray systems, when different fragrances are sprayed in sequence, there is a problem in that contamination of the scent perceived by the user or the effects acting on the autonomic nervous system may occur between the fragrance sprayed first and the fragrance sprayed next.

[0004] A first aspect of the fragrance spraying method is a method for spraying a fragrance into a space, which is executed by a control unit. The fragrance spraying method is a method for spraying a first fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nerves of a user present in the space and a second fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nerves of the user. The control unit sprays the first fragrance, stops the spraying of the first fragrance, and sprays the second fragrance after a period of at least the remaining time of the first fragrance.

[0005] In this fragrance spraying method, the control unit sprays a first fragrance, stops the spraying of the first fragrance, and then sprays a second fragrance after at least the remaining period of the first fragrance has elapsed, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of the first fragrance and the second fragrance.

[0006] The fragrance spraying method of the second aspect is the method of the first aspect, in which, after the spraying of the first fragrance has stopped, ventilation or air purification is performed, and after the ventilation or air purification has stopped, the spraying of the second fragrance is started.

[0007] In this fragrance spraying method, after the spraying of the first fragrance is stopped, ventilation or air purification is performed, and after the ventilation or air purification is stopped, the spraying of the second fragrance is started, thereby suppressing the scent of the first fragrance in the space before spraying the second fragrance.

[0008] The fragrance spraying method of the third aspect is the method of the first or second aspect, in which a first period for spraying a first fragrance and a second period for spraying a second fragrance are obtained, and ventilation or air purification is performed so that the remaining period of the first fragrance is shorter than the interval between the first period and the second period.

[0009] In this fragrance spraying method, the scent of the first fragrance in the space can be suppressed by ventilating or cleaning the air so that the interval between the first period and the second period is shorter than the interval between the first period and the second period.

[0010] A fragrance spraying method according to a fourth aspect is any of the methods according to the first to third aspects, in which a sensor installed in the space detects the concentration of the first fragrance, and an air purifier or the ventilation device is operated so that the concentration of the first fragrance in the space is below a predetermined level before the start of the spraying time of the second fragrance.

[0011] In this fragrance spraying method, the concentration of the first fragrance is detected and the concentration of the first fragrance is set to a predetermined level or less before the start of the spraying time of the second fragrance, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of the first fragrance and the second fragrance.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the fragrance spraying method is a method for spraying a first fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system of a user present in a space and a second fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system of the user. The first fragrance is sprayed into the space. The spray stop time, spray suppression time, or spray suppression period of the first fragrance is determined based on the user's wake-up time, the user's sleep duration, or the concentration decay time of the first fragrance. The second fragrance is sprayed into the space after the spray stop time of the first fragrance.

[0013] In this fragrance spraying method, the time to stop spraying, the time to suppress spraying, or the spray suppression period of the first fragrance is determined using the user's wake-up time, the user's sleep time, or the concentration decay time of the first fragrance, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of the first fragrance and the second fragrance.

[0014] The fragrance spraying method of the sixth aspect is the method of the fifth aspect, and further calculates the time to stop spraying or the time to suppress spraying of the first fragrance by taking into account the duration of the action effect of the first fragrance on the human body.

[0015] In this fragrance spraying method, the effect of the first fragrance on the user can be sustained by calculating the time to stop or suppress spraying of the first fragrance, taking into account the duration of the effect of the first fragrance on the human body.

[0016] A fragrance spraying method according to a seventh aspect is the method according to the fifth or sixth aspect, further comprising calculating a spray stop time or a spray suppression time of the first fragrance from past concentration decay time data of the first fragrance.

[0017] In this fragrance spraying method, the spray stop time or spray suppression time of the first fragrance can be easily calculated by using past concentration decay time data of the first fragrance.

[0018] The fragrance spraying method of the eighth aspect is any of the methods of the fifth aspect to the seventh aspect, and further estimates the concentration decay time of the first fragrance by taking into account the operating data of a ventilation device or air purifier installed in the space.

[0019] In this fragrance spraying method, the concentration decay time of the first fragrance can be estimated depending on the operating state of the ventilation device or air purifier.

[0020] A ninth aspect of the fragrance spraying method is the method according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, in which a concentration decay time of the first fragrance due to ventilation of the space is estimated from the air composition of the space.

[0021] In this fragrance spraying method, even if the space is ventilated according to the air composition of the space, the concentration decay time of the first fragrance can be easily estimated using the ventilation rate of the space.

[0022] A tenth aspect of the fragrance spraying method is a method according to any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, in which the concentration decay time of the first fragrance due to ventilation or air purification of the space is estimated from the amount of VOCs present in the space.

[0023] With this fragrance spraying method, the concentration decay time of the first fragrance can be easily estimated even when the space is ventilated or air-purified depending on the amount of VOCs in the space.

[0024] An eleventh aspect of the invention is a method for spraying a fragrance according to any one of the fifth to tenth aspects, wherein the concentration of the first fragrance is changed depending on the type of fragrance.

[0025] In this fragrance spraying method, the concentration of the first fragrance is changed depending on the type of fragrance, so that the concentration decay time of the first fragrance can be made constant for different types of fragrance.

[0026] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a fragrance spraying system for spraying a fragrance into a space, which is executed by a control unit. The fragrance spraying system sprays a first fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system of a user present in the space, and a second fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system of the user. The control unit sprays the first fragrance, stops the spraying of the first fragrance, and then sprays the second fragrance after a period of time during which the first fragrance remains.

[0027] In this fragrance spraying system, the control unit sprays a first fragrance, stops the spraying of the first fragrance, and then sprays a second fragrance after at least the remaining period of the first fragrance, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of the first fragrance and the second fragrance.

[0028] A thirteenth aspect of the fragrance spray system is a system that sprays a first fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system of a user present in a space and a second fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system of the user. The fragrance spray system includes a first spraying unit, a determination unit, and a second spraying unit. The first spraying unit sprays the first fragrance into the space. The determination unit determines the spray stop time, spray suppression time, or spray suppression duration of the first fragrance based on the user's wake-up time, the user's sleeping time, or the concentration decay time of the first fragrance. The second spraying unit sprays the second fragrance into the space after the spray stop time of the first fragrance.

[0029] In this fragrance spray system, the time to stop spraying, the time to suppress spraying, or the spray suppression period of the first fragrance is determined using the user's wake-up time, the user's sleep time, or the concentration decay time of the first fragrance, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of the first fragrance and the second fragrance.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a space SP into which an aromatic is sprayed. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of an aromatic spray system 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the spray stop time and spray start time of an aromatic by the aromatic spray system 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing of the aromatic spray system 1. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of an aromatic spray system 101.

[0031] (1) Overall Configuration Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a space SP into which a fragrance is sprayed. A spray device 10, a ventilation device 20, and an air purifier 30 are installed in the space SP. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the fragrance spray system 1. The fragrance spray system 1 includes the spray device 10, the ventilation device 20, the air purifier 30, and a user terminal 40. The spray device 10, the ventilation device 20, the air purifier 30, and the user terminal 40 are connected to each other via a network 60.

[0032] The fragrance spraying system 1 is a system that sprays a fragrance into a space SP where a user 50 is present. Specifically, the fragrance spraying system 1 is a system that determines the timing to stop spraying the fragrance based on the wake-up time of the user 50 and the fragrance decay time.

[0033] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Spray Device The spray device 10 is a device capable of supplying a predetermined fragrance to a space SP in which a user 50 is present. The spray device 10 has a memory unit 11, a control unit 12, a first spray unit 13, a second spray unit 14, and a detection unit 15.

[0034] (2-1-1) Storage Unit The storage unit 11 stores programs executed by the control unit 12, data necessary for executing the programs, etc. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 11 particularly stores the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance estimated by the estimation unit 122. The first fragrance is not limited to one type. When the first fragrance is one of multiple types of fragrances, the storage unit 11 stores the concentration decay time of each fragrance. The storage unit 11 can be used as a database.

[0035] (2-1-2) Control Unit The control unit 12 is realized by a computer. The control unit 12 includes a control and arithmetic unit (not shown). A processor such as a CPU or a GPU can be used as the control and arithmetic unit. The control and arithmetic unit reads out a program stored in the storage unit 11 and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing in accordance with the program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic unit can write the results of calculations into the storage unit 11 and read out information stored in the storage unit 11 in accordance with the program.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 12 has, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 121, an estimation unit 122, and a determination unit 123.

[0037] (2-1-2-1) Acquisition Unit The acquisition unit 121 acquires the wake-up time of the user 50 from the user terminal 40. The acquisition unit 121 also acquires operation data of the ventilation device 20 from an information output unit (not shown) of the ventilation device 20. The acquisition unit 121 also acquires operation data of the air purifier 30 from an information output unit (not shown) of the air purifier 30. The operation data of the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30 includes, for example, the operation status of the user 50 regarding the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30 on the smart app of the user terminal 40.

[0038] (2-1-2-2) Estimation Unit The estimation unit 122 estimates the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance. In this embodiment, the estimation unit 122 estimates the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance by taking into account the operation data of the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30.

[0039] The concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance varies depending on the size of the space SP, the ventilation rate, the amount of spray, the air volume and deodorizing efficiency of the air purifier 30, and the type of fragrance. After the spray of the first fragrance is stopped, the concentration of the first fragrance present in the space SP decreases due to the decay of the concentration of the first fragrance. The concentration of the first fragrance decreases exponentially.

[0040] For example, if the space SP is 25 m ３ The space is approximately 6 tatami mats in size, and the first fragrance is lavender. While lavender is being sprayed, the odor intensity is between "2" and "2.5." When the odor intensity of lavender is "2," the volume of the space SP is 1 m３ The concentration per unit area is, for example, 0.65 mg / m ３ is.

[0041] The time from when the spraying of lavender is stopped until the odor intensity of lavender changes from "2" to "1" is defined as the lavender concentration decay time 111. The lavender concentration decay time 111 is measured when the space SP is 25 m ３ If the space is 100 mm and the ventilation rate is 0.75 times / h (a ventilation rate assumed for a typical home), the decay time is approximately 180 minutes. The lavender concentration decay time 111 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, the time it takes for the lavender odor intensity to decrease from "2" to "0."

[0042] The odor intensity of lavender is "1", and the volume of the space SP at the time when the lavender concentration decay time 111 has elapsed is 1 m ３ The concentration per unit area is, for example, 0.072 mg / m ３ is.

[0043] By operating the ventilation device 20, the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance becomes shorter than when the ventilation device 20 is not operated. Furthermore, by operating the air purifier 30, the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance becomes shorter than when the air purifier 30 is not operated.

[0044] (2-1-2-3) Determination Unit The determination unit 123 determines the time to stop spraying the first fragrance based on the wake-up time of the user 50 and the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance. The determination unit 123 also determines the time to start spraying the second fragrance.

[0045] An example of the spray stop time and spray start time of the aromatic spray system 1 is shown in FIG.

[0046] 3, the time when the user 50 falls asleep is 10 p.m. For example, the first fragrance is sprayed 20 minutes before 10 p.m., which is the time when the user 50 falls asleep. The first fragrance is lavender.

[0047] When the odor intensity of the fragrance is between "0" and "1", the user 50 does not detect the scent. When the odor intensity is "2", the user 50 detects the scent. When the odor intensity is "2.5", the user 50 adapts to the scent.

[0048] The time it takes for the lavender odor intensity to reach "2" varies depending on the size of the room, the amount of ventilation, etc. For example, it takes 25 minutes for the lavender odor intensity to reach "2". ３ In the space SP, the ventilation rate is 0.75 times / h, and the amount of lavender sprayed from the spray device 10 is 700 mg / h, it is 84 seconds after the start of spraying. Before 10:00 p.m., when the user 50 falls asleep, the lavender odor intensity reaches "2" to "2.5." Thereafter, lavender spraying continues while the lavender odor intensity is between "2" and "2.5."

[0049] When the spraying of lavender is stopped, the lavender concentration decays, causing the lavender odor intensity to decrease from "2" to "1" or less. The lavender concentration decay time 111 is the time it takes for the lavender odor intensity to change from "2" to "1."

[0050] The wake-up time of the user 50 is assumed to be 7:00. The second fragrance is sprayed after the lavender concentration decay time 111 has elapsed and 73 seconds before the wake-up time of the user 50, which is 7:00. For example, the second fragrance is grapefruit.

[0051] The time required for the grapefruit odor intensity to reach "2" is, for example, 25 minutes. ３ In the space SP, the ventilation rate is 0.75 times / h, and the amount of grapefruit sprayed from the spray device 10 is 1000 mg / h, 73 seconds have passed since the start of spraying. Just before 7:00, when the user 50 wakes up, grapefruit is sprayed so that the grapefruit odor intensity is between "2" and "2.5."

[0052] Thereafter, when the spraying of grapefruit is stopped, the grapefruit odor intensity decreases to an odor intensity of "0" to "1."

[0053] (2-1-3) First Spraying Unit The first spraying unit 13 sprays the first fragrance. The first spraying unit 13 may spray the first fragrance in pulses or continuously. The first spraying unit 13 sprays the first fragrance while the user 50 is sleeping.

[0054] The first fragrance is a fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nerves of the user 50 present in the space SP. Examples of the first fragrance include lavender, cedarwood, bergamot, furaneol, etc. In the present embodiment, the first fragrance is lavender, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] (2-1-4) Second Spraying Unit The second spraying unit 14 sprays the second aromatic material into the space SP after the time when spraying of the first aromatic material stops.

[0056] The second spraying unit 14 may spray the second flavoring in pulses or continuously.

[0057] The second fragrance is a fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nerves of the user 50 present in the space SP. Examples of the second fragrance include grapefruit, orange, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, etc. In the present embodiment, the second fragrance is grapefruit, but is not limited to this.

[0058] (2-1-5) Detection Unit The detection unit 15 detects the concentration of the fragrance in the space SP. In this embodiment, the detection unit 15 is a scent sensor. The concentration of the fragrance in the space SP is the concentration of the fragrance in the entire space SP.

[0059] (2-2) Ventilation Device The ventilation device 20 is a device capable of ventilating the space SP where the user 50 is present, and can adjust the carbon dioxide concentration in the space SP by ON / OFF control. This ventilation device 20 is configured to include a blower fan, a ventilation duct, etc.

[0060] (2-3) Air Purifier The air purifier 30 is a device capable of purifying the air in the space SP where the user 50 is present, and can suppress viruses, mold, and the like floating in the air in the space SP by ON / OFF control. This air purifier 30 is configured with a blower fan, a dust collection filter, a deodorizing filter, and the like.

[0061] In order to shorten the decay time of the fragrance's odor intensity (the time it takes for the odor to become undetectable) compared to the time it takes for the fragrance initially sprayed to have an autonomic nervous activity enhancing effect, active deodorization may be performed using the air purifier 30. To prevent the start-up sound of the air purifier from disturbing sleep while sleeping, the air purifier 30 may set upper limits on the processing air volume and fan rotation speed.

[0062] (2-4) User Terminal The wake-up time of the user 50 is input into the user terminal 40. The user terminal 40 includes a smartphone and a remote control. In this embodiment, the user terminal 40 is a smartphone owned by the user 50. Furthermore, instructions from the user 50 to the spray device 10 can be input using the user terminal 40. Furthermore, instructions from the user to the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30 can be input using the user terminal 40.

[0063] (3) Processing An example of processing by the aromatic spray system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0064] In step S1, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the wake-up time of the user 50. In this embodiment, the wake-up time of the user 50 is set to 7 o'clock.

[0065] In step S2, the estimation unit 122 estimates the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance. In this embodiment, the estimation unit 122 estimates the concentration decay time 111 of lavender by taking into account the operation data of the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30. In step S2, the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30 are operating, and the space SP is 25 m ３ In the case of the space SP, the lavender concentration decay time 111 in the space SP is estimated to be 18 minutes when the ventilation rate of the ventilation device 20 is 0.75 times / h, the air volume of the air purifier 30 is 5.0 m3 / min, and the deodorizing efficiency is 25%. When the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30 are operating, the lavender concentration decay time 111 in the space SP is shorter than when the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30 are not operating. Since the first fragrance is sprayed as long as possible until just before the second fragrance is sprayed, it is preferable to operate the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30 at maximum output so as not to disturb the sleep of the user 50.

[0066] In step S3, the determination unit 123 determines the time to stop spraying of the first fragrance. In this embodiment, the time to stop spraying of lavender is determined based on the user's wake-up time acquired in step S1 and the lavender concentration decay time 111 estimated in step S2. The user 50's wake-up time acquired in step S1 is 7:00 a.m. Therefore, the determination unit 123 determines the time to stop spraying of lavender to be 6:40, which is before the user's wake-up time of 7:00 a.m. and before the 18 minutes, which is the lavender concentration decay time 111, have elapsed since the lavender spray was stopped.

[0067] In step S4, the determination unit 123 determines the spray start time of the second aromatic. In step S4, the time when the concentration of the first aromatic is equal to or lower than the threshold value is set as the target value of the spray start time of the second aromatic.

[0068] In this embodiment, the target value for the grapefruit spray start time is the time when the lavender concentration decay time 111 has elapsed and the lavender odor intensity becomes equal to or less than "1." The grapefruit spray start time is after the lavender concentration decay time 111 has elapsed and the lavender odor intensity becomes equal to or less than "1," and is 73 seconds before the wake-up time of the user 50 acquired in step S1. The second fragrance spray start time is set to 6:58:47, which is after 6:58, when the lavender concentration decay time 111 has elapsed and the lavender odor intensity becomes equal to or less than "1," and is 73 seconds before the wake-up time of the user 50, 7:00. As a result, at the time when the second fragrance spray start time is started, the odor intensity of the first fragrance has decreased to a level where the user 50 does not perceive the scent of the first fragrance.

[0069] (4) Features (4-1) The fragrance spraying method using the fragrance spraying system 1 according to this embodiment is a method of spraying lavender, which stimulates the parasympathetic nerves of the user 50 present in the space SP, and orange, which stimulates the sympathetic nerves of the user 50. Lavender is sprayed into the space SP. The time to stop spraying lavender is determined based on the wake-up time of the user 50 and the lavender concentration decay time 111. Orange is sprayed into the space SP after the time to stop spraying lavender.

[0070] Conventionally, when different fragrances are sprayed sequentially throughout a room using a diffuser or the like, the scent of the fragrance sprayed first remains, resulting in fragrance contamination between the fragrances sprayed next. Furthermore, the duration of the effect on the autonomic nervous system after exposure to the fragrance varies depending on the fragrance, and the decay time of odor intensity during natural ventilation also varies depending on the fragrance. Therefore, the spray stop time to prevent contamination varies depending on the fragrance.

[0071] In the fragrance spraying method using the fragrance spraying system 1 of this embodiment, when different fragrances are sprayed in sequence, the timing to stop spraying is determined so that the effect of enhancing autonomic nervous activity of the fragrance sprayed first continues, and the fragrances do not become contaminated between the fragrance sprayed first and the fragrance sprayed next.

[0072] In this fragrance spraying method, the time to stop spraying lavender is determined using the wake-up time of the user 50 and the lavender concentration decay time 111, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of lavender and orange, and also preventing contamination of the effects of lavender and orange on the autonomic nervous system.

[0073] (4-2) In the fragrance spraying method using the fragrance spraying system 1 according to this embodiment, the lavender concentration decay time 111 is further estimated by taking into account the operating data of the ventilation device 20 or the air purifier 30 installed in the space SP.

[0074] In this fragrance spraying method, the lavender concentration decay time 111 can be estimated depending on the operating state of the ventilation device 20 or the air purifier 30.

[0075] (4-3) The fragrance spray system 1 according to this embodiment is a system that sprays lavender, which stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system of a user 50 present in a space SP, and orange, which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system of the user 50. The fragrance spray system 1 includes a first sprayer 13, a determination unit 123, and a second sprayer 14. The first sprayer 13 sprays lavender into the space SP. The determination unit 123 determines the time to stop spraying the first fragrance based on the user's wake-up time and the lavender concentration decay time 111. The second sprayer 14 sprays orange into the space SP after the time to stop spraying lavender.

[0076] In this fragrance spray system, the time to stop spraying lavender is determined using the user's wake-up time and the lavender concentration decay time 111, thereby preventing contamination of the lavender and orange scents and also preventing contamination of the effects of lavender and orange on the autonomic nervous system.

[0077] (5) Modifications (5-1) Modification 1A In the present embodiment, the case where the spray stop time of the first fragrance is determined has been described, but the spray suppression time of the first fragrance may also be determined. For example, at the spray stop time of the first fragrance, the spray of the first fragrance may not be stopped immediately, but may be gradually suppressed and finally stopped.

[0078] (5-2) Modification 1B In the present embodiment, the case where the aromatic concentration decay time 111 is stored in the memory unit 11 of the spray device 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0079] A functional block diagram of the aromatic spray system 101 of the modified example 1B is shown in FIG.

[0080] 5, the aromatic spray system 101 of Modification 1B includes a spray device 100, a ventilation device 20, an air purifier 30, a user terminal 40, and a server device 200. The spray device 100, the ventilation device 20, the air purifier 30, the user terminal 40, and the server device 200 are communicatively connected via a network 60. The ventilation device 20, the air purifier 30, and the user terminal 40 have the same configuration as the aromatic spray system 1 of the present embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] The spray device 100 has a control unit 12, a first spray unit 13, a second spray unit 14, and a detection unit 15. The spray device 100 of the aromatic spray system 101 differs from the spray device 10 of the aromatic spray system 1 in that it does not have a memory unit 11.

[0082] The server device 200 includes a storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 stores a concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance.

[0083] In the fragrance spraying method using the fragrance spraying system 101 of variant example 1B, the time to stop spraying the first fragrance is determined using the wake-up time of the user 50 and the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance stored in the server device 200, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of the first fragrance and the second fragrance and also preventing contamination of the effects of the first fragrance and the second fragrance on the autonomic nervous system.

[0084] (5-3) Modification 1C In the present embodiment, the determination unit 123 determines the spray stop time of the first fragrance based on the wake-up time of the user 50 and the concentration decay time of the first fragrance. The determination unit 123 may further calculate the spray stop time or spray suppression time of the first fragrance by taking into account the duration of the action effect of the first fragrance on the human body.

[0085] In Modification 1C, the storage unit 11 stores data on the duration of the action and effect of the first fragrance on the human body, which has been determined in advance, in the form of a table. The duration of the action and effect of the first fragrance on the human body refers to the duration of the action and effect of the first fragrance on the user. ３In this space, the duration of the effect of lavender in stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (duration of the effect on the human body) is, for example, approximately 60 minutes.

[0086] In Variation 1C, the first fragrance sprayed (first fragrance) maintains its physical effect while preventing contamination with the second fragrance sprayed next. The longer of the time it takes for the odor intensity of the first fragrance to drop to 0-1 (almost undetectable) and the time it takes for the first fragrance to maintain its autonomic nervous activity enhancing effect may be used as the period between the timing of stopping spraying of the first fragrance and the timing of starting spraying of the second fragrance, and the timing for stopping spraying of the first fragrance may be used to determine the time it takes for spraying of the first fragrance to stop. This prevents fragrance contamination while maintaining the fragrance's physical effect as long as possible, achieving both comfort and effectiveness.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, when the space SP is a small room and the concentration decay time of the first fragrance is short, it is preferable to determine the time to stop spraying or the time to suppress spraying of the first fragrance using the duration of the effect of the first fragrance on the human body. By spraying the first fragrance for the duration of the effect of the first fragrance on the human body, and then stopping the spraying of the first fragrance and starting the spraying of the second fragrance, it is possible to prevent contamination of the effect of the first fragrance acting on the autonomic nerves with the effect of the second fragrance acting on the autonomic nerves.

[0088] In variant example 1C, the time to stop spraying or the time to suppress spraying of the first fragrance is calculated taking into account the duration of the effect of the first fragrance on the human body, thereby enabling the effect of the first fragrance on the user to be sustained.

[0089] (5-4) Modification 1D The determination unit 123 may further calculate the spray stop time or spray suppression time of the first fragrance from data on past concentration decay times 111 of the first fragrance. The data on past concentration decay times 111 includes, for example, data on the concentration decay time of the first fragrance due to ventilation or air purification calculated from past air composition, VOC amounts, etc. In this way, the spray stop time or spray suppression time of the first fragrance can be easily calculated by calculating the spray stop time of the first fragrance using the data on past concentration decay times 111 of the first fragrance.

[0090] (5-5) Variation Example 1E In this embodiment, the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance is estimated by taking into account the operating data of the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30 installed in the space SP. However, the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance may also be estimated by taking into account the operating data of either the ventilation device 20 or the air purifier 30.

[0091] (5-6) Modification 1F The estimation unit 122 may estimate the concentration decay time 111 of the first aromatic due to ventilation of the space SP from the air composition of the space SP. The ventilation includes ventilation by the ventilation device 20 and natural ventilation.

[0092] In variant 1F, a carbon dioxide sensor (not shown) is provided separately from the spray device 20. The estimation unit 122 detects the carbon dioxide concentration in the space SP using the carbon dioxide sensor and estimates the ventilation volume of the space SP using changes in the carbon dioxide concentration during the daytime and before bedtime when people enter and exit the space. The estimation unit 122 also estimates the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance using the ventilation volume and the size of the space SP. This makes it possible to easily estimate the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance using the ventilation volume of the space SP, even when the space SP is ventilated according to the air composition of the space SP.

[0093] (5-7) Modification 1G The estimation unit 122 may estimate the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance due to ventilation or air purification of the space SP from the amount of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) present in the space SP.

[0094] In Variation 1G, a VOC sensor (not shown) is installed in the air purifier 30. There are several VOC sensors based on different principles, such as PID sensors and hot-wire semiconductor sensors. By detecting the amount of VOCs using the VOC sensor, it is possible to easily estimate the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance even when the space SP is ventilated or air-purified according to the amount of VOCs in the space SP.

[0095] (5-8) Modification 1H In this embodiment, the spray device 10 has the scent sensor 15 that detects the concentration of the fragrance. However, the air purifier 30 may have the scent sensor 15 instead.

[0096] (5-9) Modification 1I The concentration of the first fragrance may be changed depending on the type of fragrance. By changing the concentration of the first fragrance depending on the type of fragrance, the concentration decay time 111 of the first fragrance for different types of fragrance can be made constant.

[0097] (5-10) Modification 1J The second fragrance may be mixed with a component that has receptor antagonistic action against the first fragrance (a component that makes a specific odor insensitive).

[0098] (5-11) Variation 1K In this embodiment, the case where the spray device 10 is installed in the space SP independently of the ventilation device 20 and the air purifier 30 has been described, but the spray device 10 may also be mounted on the ventilation device 20 or the air purifier 30.

[0099] (5-12) Variation Example 1L In this embodiment, the spray device 10 has been described as having a first spray unit and a second spray unit. However, if the first fragrance is one of a plurality of types of fragrances, or if the second fragrance is a plurality of types of fragrances, the spray device 10 may further have a plurality of spray units.

[0100] (5-13) Variation 1M In the fragrance spraying method using the fragrance spraying system 1 of this variation, the time to stop spraying lavender, the time to suppress spraying, or the spray suppression period may be determined based on the wake-up time of the user 50, the sleeping time of the user 50, or the lavender concentration decay time 111.

[0101] In this modified example, the time to stop spraying lavender, the time to suppress spraying, or the spray suppression period is determined using the wake-up time of the user 50, the user's sleep time, or the lavender concentration decay time 111, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of lavender and orange, and also preventing contamination of the effects of lavender and orange on the autonomic nervous system.

[0102] (5-14) Variation 1N In this variation, the determination unit 123 may determine the lavender spray stop time, spray suppression time, or spray suppression time based on the wake-up time of the user 50, the sleep time of the user 50, or the lavender concentration decay time 111.

[0103] In this modified example, the time to stop spraying, the time to suppress spraying, or the spray suppression period of the first fragrance is determined using the wake-up time of the user 50, the sleeping time of the user 50, or the lavender concentration decay time 111, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of lavender and orange, and also preventing contamination of the effects of lavender and orange on the autonomic nervous system.

[0104] (5-15) Modification 1O In this modification, the fragrance spraying method by the fragrance spray system is a method executed by the control unit to spray fragrance into the space SP. The fragrance spraying method is a method of spraying lavender, which stimulates the parasympathetic nerves of the user 50 present in the space SP, and orange, which stimulates the sympathetic nerves of the user 50. The control unit sprays the lavender, stops the spraying of the lavender, and then sprays the orange after a period of time during which the lavender remains.

[0105] In this modified example, the control unit sprays lavender, stops the spraying of lavender, and then sprays orange after waiting at least the remaining period of the lavender, thereby preventing contamination of the scents of lavender and orange.

[0106] (5-16) Modification 1P In this modification, the fragrance spraying method by the fragrance spraying system involves ventilating or cleaning the air after the lavender spraying has stopped, and then starting the orange spraying after the ventilation or air cleaning has stopped.

[0107] In this modified example, after the spraying of lavender stops, ventilation or air purification is performed, and after the ventilation or air purification stops, the spraying of orange begins, thereby suppressing the scent of the first fragrance in the space before spraying the second fragrance.

[0108] (5-17) Variation 1Q In this variation, the fragrance spraying method by the fragrance spraying system acquires the lavender spraying period and the orange spraying period, and performs ventilation or air purification so that the remaining period of lavender is shorter than the interval between the lavender spraying period and the orange spraying period.

[0109] In this modified example, by ventilating or purifying the air so that the remaining period of lavender is shorter than the interval between the lavender spray period and the orange spray period, contamination of the lavender and orange scents can be prevented.

[0110] (5-18) Variation 1R In this variation, the fragrance spraying method using the fragrance spraying system involves detecting the concentration of lavender with a sensor installed in the space SP, and operating the air purifier 30 or ventilation device 20 so that the concentration of lavender in the space SP is below a predetermined level before the start of the orange spraying time.

[0111] In this modified example, the concentration of lavender is detected and the lavender concentration is set to a predetermined level or lower before the orange spraying time begins, thereby preventing contamination of the lavender and orange scents.

[0112] (5-19) Modification 1S In this modification, a system for spraying fragrances into a space SP, executed by a control unit, sprays lavender, which stimulates the parasympathetic nerves of a user 50 present in the space SP, and orange, which stimulates the sympathetic nerves of the user 50. The control unit sprays lavender, stops the spraying of lavender, and then sprays orange after a period of time during which the lavender remains.

[0113] In this modified example, the control unit sprays lavender, stops the spraying of lavender, and then sprays orange after at least the remaining period of the lavender, thereby preventing contamination of the lavender and orange scents.

[0114] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0115] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 101 Fragrance spray system 10, 100 Spray device 20 Ventilation device 30 Air purifier 40 User terminal 50 User 60 Network 11 Storage unit 12 Control unit 13 First spray unit 14 Second spray unit 15 Detection unit 111 Concentration decay time 121 Acquisition unit 122 Estimation unit 123 Determination unit 200 Server device

[0116] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-31711

Claims

1. A method for spraying a fragrance into a space, executed by a control unit, comprising spraying a first fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system of a user (50) present in a space (SP) and a second fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system of the user, wherein the control unit sprays the first fragrance, stops spraying the first fragrance, and then sprays the second fragrance after a period corresponding to at least the remaining time of the first fragrance.

2. The fragrance spraying method according to claim 1, wherein after the spraying of the first fragrance is stopped, ventilation or air cleaning is performed, and after the ventilation or air cleaning is stopped, the spraying of the second fragrance is started.

3. A fragrance spraying method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first period for spraying the first fragrance and a second period for spraying the second fragrance are obtained, and the ventilation or air purification is performed so that the remaining period is shorter than the interval between the first period and the second period.

4. A fragrance spraying method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a sensor installed in the space detects the concentration of the first fragrance, and before the start of the spraying time of the second fragrance, the air purifier or the ventilation device is operated so that the concentration of the first fragrance in the space is below a predetermined level.

5. A method for spraying a first fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system of a user (50) present in a space (SP) and a second fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system of the user, comprising: spraying the first fragrance into the space; determining a spray stop time, spray suppression time, or spray suppression time of the first fragrance based on the wake-up time of the user, the user's sleeping time, or the concentration decay time of the first fragrance; and spraying the second fragrance into the space after the spray stop time of the first fragrance.

6. The fragrance spraying method according to claim 5, further comprising calculating the time to stop spraying or the time to suppress spraying of the first fragrance, taking into account the duration of the action effect of the first fragrance on the human body.

7. The fragrance spraying method according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising calculating a spray stop time or a spray suppression time of the first fragrance from past concentration decay time data of the first fragrance.

8. A fragrance spraying method as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising estimating the concentration decay time of the first fragrance by taking into account the operating data of a ventilation device (20) or an air purifier (30) installed in the space.

9. A fragrance spraying method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a concentration decay time of the first fragrance due to ventilation of the space is estimated from the air composition of the space.

10. A fragrance spraying method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the concentration decay time of the first fragrance due to ventilation or air cleaning of the space is estimated from the amount of VOC present in the space.

11. A fragrance spraying method according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the concentration of the first fragrance is changed depending on the type of fragrance.

12. A system for spraying fragrances into a space, executed by a control unit, which sprays a first fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system of a user (50) present in a space (SP) and a second fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system of the user, wherein the control unit sprays the first fragrance, stops spraying the first fragrance, and sprays the second fragrance after a period of time during which at least the first fragrance remains.

13. A fragrance spraying system (1, 101) that sprays a first fragrance that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system of a user (50) present in a space (SP) and a second fragrance that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system of the user, comprising: a first spraying unit (13) that sprays the first fragrance into the space; a determination unit (123) that determines the spray stop time, spray suppression time, or spray suppression time of the first fragrance based on the wake-up time of the user, the sleeping time of the user, or the concentration decay time (111) of the first fragrance; and a second spraying unit (14) that sprays the second fragrance into the space after the spray stop time of the first fragrance.

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